Causes of Colitis in Dogs

Colitis is an inflammation of the colon, or large intestine. Diarrhea is the most common and persistent symptom of colitis in dogs. Other symptoms include blood or mucus in the stools, pain or straining during defecation, and flatulence. Colitis may be acute or chronic depending on the cause.

Stress

Colitis that appears suddenly is often associated with stress. Depending on the animal, extremely stressful situations might include being boarded at a kennel, moving to a new home, a change in diet or even a severe thunderstorm.

Parasites

Gastrointestinal parasites such as whipworm and Giardia can also cause colitis.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease occurs when the cells in the lining of the large intestine become inflamed, interfering with the digestion process and often resulting in colitis.

Diagnosis

If your pet exhibits symptoms of colitis for more than a few days, it should be examined by your veterinarian. Depending on the dog's symptoms, a blood test, fecal smear and possibly a colonoscopy or biopsy may be performed.

Treatment

Many cases of colitis will clear up on their own. Parasites may be treated with a short course of medication, while inflammatory bowel disease might require higher and long-term doses. Your veterinarian may also recommend changes to your dog's diet.

Resources

• Mar Vista Medical Animal Center: Colitis